Reflective arrow nock

ABSTRACT

What is new is creating an Arrow Nock that reflects light through the use of reflective material adhered to the outside of or embedded into the material comprising Arrow Nocks. This will involve the combined use of existing technology in the areas of reflective materials application and Arrow Nock manufacture.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX

[0003] Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The field of endeavor that this invention pertains to is Archery, with the specific subject matter pertaining to Arrows and more specifically to one part of the Arrow, the Nock at the end of the Arrow above the Fletching.

[0005] The problem addressed by this invention is the difficulty in locating arrows shot before or during low light conditions, which miss their target. Many arrows are painted in camouflage or neutral colors or become embedded in undergrowth or leaves, thus decreasing their visibility. Much time is wasted in trying to locate the missing arrows. Also, there is greater risk of physical harm to the hunter or archer searching around in the dark or low light conditions, often with just a flashlight, and sometimes in adverse weather or predator conditions. Additionally, there is significant added expense in replacing lost arrows: currently approximately $20 an arrow, including the arrow and the Broadhead.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The object of the invention is to increase the visibility of arrows, causing them to be easier to locate, especially during low or no light conditions. This will result in a savings of time and money and a reduction in physical risk to archers, hunters, and those accompanying them.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

[0007]FIG. 1 (of 2) depicts an average arrow. Labeled are the parts of the arrow for reference. The part that is specific to this invention is the Nock (FIG. 2), which is that part that fits over the end of the arrow above the Fletching, and which is placed on the string allowing the arrow to be propelled from the drawn bow. The Nock is generally manufactured of plastic, sometimes translucent and sometimes opaque, but can also be manufactured of other materials.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The invention covered by this patent application is to make the arrow's Nock reflect light to increase the ease of location in low light or no light conditions. This can be accomplished through the adhesion of existing reflective material, currently being marketed by such companies as 3M, onto the surface of the Nock, or by embedding reflective material into the Nock during the manufacturing process. This will allow the arrow to be spotted through the aid of artificial light (such as a flashlight) during low or no light conditions. Currently, there is a product on the market that causes the Nock to glow, upon being shot from the bow, through the use of magnets. This adds extra weight to the arrow, which can reduce performance; increases visibility during flight, which could potentially alert game; and is a more costly solution to this problem in addition to causing greater expense in replacing a lost arrow with this feature. Also, reflective material on an arrow shaft would not be as effective since many times the shaft becomes buried in undergrowth or leaves, with only the Fletching and Nock exposed.

[0009] In testing the invention, reflective tape was adhered to the surface of several Nocks. Visibility was greatly increased and the reflective material did not interfere with the performance of the arrow. In carrying this improvement on to market, I will be working with arrow and reflective material manufacturers to see what is the most efficient and cost effective method for creating the Reflective Nocks. As previously stated, the reflective material can be adhered to, or possibly embedded in the material forming the Nock. There will be a market for arrows factory ready with Reflective Nocks, in addition to “after market” replacement Nocks, since most arrows manufactured currently have removable Nocks. The Reflective Nock will be an affordable and easily adaptable solution to a very common problem. 

What I claim as my invention is:
 1. Reflective Nocks created through the application of reflective material to the surface of an Arrow Nock or the embedding of reflective material into the Nock during manufacture 